You no longer have to drive to Newport or South County to get great, fresh seafood. Blount Clam Shack and Soup Bar has opened their third Rhode Island restaurant just a couple of miles from the Cranston line at 371 Richmond St. in Providence, right across from Rick’s Roadhouse.

Prices are quite reasonable for their varied menu, which includes all your seafood favorites, plus an all-you-can-eat soup bar. Clam cakes, at $3.75 a half dozen to $6.75 a dozen, are served hot, crispy and tasty, complete with tender bits of clam. We like the chourico clam cakes, which are only a quarter more. Better yet, try the chourico stuffie for $3.75.

Whole belly clam prices are out of sight this year, but Blount gives you your money’s worth with a huge platter that includes french fries, cole slaw and tartar sauce for $18.95. You’ll get as many clams on the “Sides” order without the fries and cole slaw for $11.95. They are as tender and tasty as any we’ve had in Rhode Island.

The soup bar is the real bargain, with over a half dozen to choose from. I loved the Maine lobster bisque, while Joyce found it a bit too rich for her tastes. They also have the real clambake chowder, complete with clams, potatoes, chourico and corn, served in a clear broth. The additional soup choices change daily. One day Joyce enjoyed the Italian wedding soup. All soups are served with unlimited bread, rolls and crackers. For $5.95 you can make a meal out of it or add it to your entrée for $2.95.

The lunch special (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) offers three clam cakes, a cup of chowder and a drink for $5.50. Sandwich specials include another unique offering: haddock BLT with mayo, fries and a drink for $6.95. Lobster salad, scallop, clam and clam strip rolls are available ranging from $7.95 to $11.95.

For those who don’t like seafood (Why would you go there?) they have burgers, chicken and hot dogs. Daily specials feature everything from create your own grilled cheese ($5.95) to a lobster salad BLT ($13.95).

The front of the restaurant features a gourmet soup take home section, ready to heat and serve from 64 oz. bags (serves 4 bowls or 8 cups). You just drop the bag in hot water.

The atmosphere is very casual. Order at the counter and they’ll call you when the food is ready. Serve yourself at the soup bar.

Parking is free. Their take-out number is 228-7746. If you work downtown, just call your order in on your way home.

The Blount Clam Shack is open Monday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (odd hours) and Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed Sunday). Check them out at www.blountretail.com. They accept credit cards.